Okay, okay, okay. I know – who cares? Why does it matter?
Well, it matters because there is a difference between having a good eye and having the technical knowledge of building code, spatial requirements, lighting techniques, and construction knowledge. No, Interior Designers don’t know EVERYTHING but we know enough to know what the right steps are to get the results we want.
If you’re looking for styling advice or a second eye on colour – I’d say: go for it. Do whatever works! But if you’re looking for a full-scope renovation involving mechanical and electrical systems, and walls being removed/added? The last thing you want is a structural wall accidentally demolished or a fully gutted space and an interior decorator that has no clue what the next steps are.
Because there are no regulation on the two terms (Decorator and Designer), many individuals known as ”Interior Designers” are self-educated, DIY experts, or a ”side-hustler”. So how do you know? Look at their experience. Ask where they’ve worked, ask for their credentials (most professional Interior Designers will have NCIDQ certification) and look at the projects (not just social media pictures – because we all know that can be incredibly deceiving!)
If you’re interested in knowing more, below is a full article from CIDQ (Council for Interior Design Qualification).
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Article Written By: CIDQ
Find out more about CIDQ here
The Professional Difference Between “Interior Designer” and “Interior Decorator”
Many people use the terms “interior design” and “interior decorating” interchangeably, but these professions differ in critical ways.
Interior design is the art and science of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building. Decoration is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design.
Interior designers apply creative and technical solutions within a structure that are functional, attractive and beneficial to the occupants’ quality of life and culture. Designs respond to and coordinate with the building shell and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability.
The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology — including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process — to satisfy the client’s needs and resources.
U.S. states and Canadian provinces have passed laws requiring interior designers to be licensed or registered and to document their formal education and training. Many states and provinces also specifically require all practicing interior designers to earn the NCIDQ Certification to demonstrate their experience and qualifications. By contrast, interior decorators require no formal training or licensure.